ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India sets unprecedented record, Doubling Time nearly 73 Days
Further slide in %Active Cases; now about 11% of Total Cases
India is reporting a progressively high increase in the recoveries and a persistent decline in the percentage active cases. As a result, the doubling time of the infection has sharply improved. It is now almost 73 days . This indicates a substantial fall in the daily New Cases and the consequent increase in time taken to double the Total Cases.
India has come a long way from registering a doubling rate of 25.5 days in mid August to now registering a doubling rate of nearly 73 days. This is the result of collaborative action by States/UTs under the Centre's strategy of comprehensive and high countrywide testing, prompt and effective surveillance and tracking, quick hospitalization and effective adherence of the Standard Treatment Protocol issued by the Union Government. This is also the combined outcome of the selfless service and dedication of doctors, paramedics, frontline workers and all other COVID-19 warriors.
The countrywide growing awareness regarding adoption of COVID appropriate behaviour has aided in curbing spread of the infection and seeking timely treatment.
81,514 new recoveries were added in the last 24 hour. With this, the total number of recoveries are nearly 64 Lakh . Higher number of single day recoveries is also reflected in the continuous increase in the national recovery rate, which has crossed 87% and now is 87.36%.
10 States/UTs account for 79% of the new recovered cases. Maharashtra has contributed more than 19,000 to the single day recoveries followed by Karnataka with more than 8,000 recoveries.
Presently the active cases comprise 11.12% of the total positive cases of the country standing at 8,12,390. They have been below the 9 lakh mark for a week now.
67,708 new confirmed cases were registered in the last 24 hours in the country.
77% of new confirmed cases are from 10 States and UTs. Maharashtra has the highest number with more than 10,000 cases followed by Karnataka with more than 9,000 cases.
680 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. These have been sustained below the 1000 mark since 12 days.
Of these, nearly 80% are concentrated in ten States/UTs.
More than 23% of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra .
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Union Minister Of Jal Shakti Encourages Everyone To Hoist The National Flags At Their Homes From 13th To 15th August, 2022
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Urges All To Celebrate ‘Har GharTiranga’Campaign Patriotically Under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti,Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in order to celebrate the‘Har GharTiranga’ in all spheres, encouraged each official and staff member of Ministry of Jal Shakti to hoist National Flag.The Union Minister also sensitized the officials to celebrate this event befittingly. Reiterating the idea of the Programme, the Union Minister emphasized that each official must hoist the National Flag at their houses from 13th to 15th August 2022 and further encourage others also to participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign patriotically under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
The Ministry has taken considerable steps to ensure that each citizen shares the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Officers/staffs  have been requested to tag the location of the flag on www.harghartiranga.com website and download the certificate and also to motivate the friends/families to hoist the National flag.
It was also mentioned to sensitize Ganga Samiti, SwachhtaGrahi, Pani Samiti, BhoojalJankar, CAD Committee etc. who are active in the field of water sector, tocelebrate Har Gar TirangaProgramme patriotically. The stakeholders working in the water sector need to besensitized to participate in the activities of Har GharTirangaProgrammes.
The idea is to incorporate the ‘Har GharTirangaProgramme’ and its spirit in all realms, and motivate everyone to participate at the individual level and strengthen the nation’s spirit.Bringing the flag home collectively as a nation in the 75th year of independence becomes symbolic of not only an act of personal connection to the Tiranga but also an embodiment of our commitment to nation-building. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
All India Weather Bulletin
According to the latest release  by the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department:
♦ The Deep Depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood remained practically stationary during past 06 hours, and rapidly intensified into a Cyclonic storm " AMPHAN" . It lay centred over the same region at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 16th May, 2020 near latitude 10.9°N and longitude 86.3°E, about 1040 km south of Paradip , 1200 km south-southwest of Digha  and 1300 km south-southwest of Khepupara . It is very likely to intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during 12 hours and into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm by 18th morning. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards initially till 17th May and then re-curve north-northeastwards across northwest Bay of Bengal towards West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha coasts during 18th to 20th May 2020.
♦ Under its influence, Squally wind speed of the order of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is prevailing over southeast & adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. It is likely to increase becoming 90-100 gusting to 110 kmph over eastcentral & adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal by 17th morning; 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph over southern parts of central Bay of Bengal by 18th morning; 155-165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph over northern parts of central Bay of Bengal & adjoining north Bay of Bengal on 19th and 160-170 kmph gusting to 190 kmph over north Bay of Bengal by 20th morning. Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas during these periods. Fishermen are advised not to venture into Odisha-West Bengal & adjoining Bangladesh coasts during 18th- 20th May and those out at sea are advised to return to the coast. ♦ Scattered to fairly widespread rain/thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy falls very likely over Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal from 18th May onwards. ♦ Conditions are very likely to become favourable for advance of Southwest Monsoon into some parts of southeast Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in next 24 hours. ♦ Scattered to fairly widespread rain/thundershowers with lightning and gusty winds  very likely over south peninsular India during next 4-5 days along with isolated heavy rainfall activity over Kerala, Coastal & South Interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep and Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during next 3 days.
♦ Northeastern states are likely to continue to experience fairly widespread to widespread rain/thundershowers during next 5 days with isolated heavy falls on19th & 20th May. Mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over Northwestern plains of India.
♦ Presently maximum temperatures of 41-44°C are prevailing over parts of Rajasthan, north Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh on 19th & 20th May.
Ministry of Railways
Head on Generation  - A Giant Leap forward through an environment friendly and energy efficient technology
Over 500 trains are running with HOG scheme
There are savings to the tune of over Rs.1100 crores per annum with conversion of 500 trains into HOG system
 system are also contributing towards air and noise pollution. These trains are using 2 diesel power cars for feeding power to air-conditioning and lighting load in the passenger coaches which produce an unbearable noise of around 100dB. Further, these power cars guzzle on an average 3000 liters of diesel per trip per train contributing to the pollution in the cities.
Indian Railways have come up with an energy efficient and environment friendly innovative solution to address the issues of air & noise pollution and energy efficiency in running of passenger trains. An improvised converter has been developed, which is fitted in Electric locomotives which can replace these diesel generators. It uses power from overhead catenary to feed auxiliaries in the coaches hauled by Electric locomotives. It saves up to 1 Million liters of diesel per train per annum.
This requires locomotives as well as coaches to be modified for making them suitable for HOG. Locomotives have been manufactured by Chittaranjan Locomotive Works , over the years, which are HOG compliant. To harness the benefits of this high-end technology, pace of HOG conversion works of LHB coaches has been increased from April 2018 onwards. During April 2018 to 5th November 2019, 436 trains  have been converted into HOG compliant trains. It is planned to convert balance End-On-Generation  LHB rakes into HOG system on accelerated pace to harness the benefits of energy efficient and environment friendly technology. The major advantages of HOG system include:
i. Reduction in noise- from 100dB noise to noise less,
ii. Significant reduction of CO2  & NOX emissions till now,
iii. Reduced Diesel Consumption leading to huge savings in operational costs to the tune of over Rs.1100 crores per annum,
iv. Economical- EOG Power Rs 22/unit, HOG Power Rs 6/unit.
Indian Railways has travelled long way since 2010 when Chittaranjan Locomotive Works  turned out first HOG based electric loco No.30277  having 2X500 KVA Hotel Load Converter installed in the locomotive,which is in regular train service since then. As of now more than 550 Electric locomotives have been provided with HOG converter technology and are yielding benefits of savings on fuel bills to Indian Railways, besides being a noise less and emission less solution to the EOG variant.
All passenger Electric Locomotives being produced in Production Units of Indian Railways namely CLW, Diesel Locomotives Works  & Diesel Loco Modernization Works  and all passenger coaches manufactured in Integral Coach Factory , Rail Coach Factory  & Modern Coach Factory  are now HOG compliant.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of Government Stocks
The Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘7.00 per cent Government Stock,2021’ for a notified amount of Rs.3,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.27 per cent Government Stock, 2026’ for a notified amount of Rs.3,000 crore  through price based auction,‘7.95 per cent Government Stock, 2032’ for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore  through price based auction,‘7.62 per cent Government Stock, 2039’ for a notified amount of Rs.2,000 crore  through price based auction,and  ‘7.72 per cent Government Stock, 2055’ for a notified amount of Rs.4,000 crore  through price based auction.Subject to the limit of Rs.17,000 crore, being total notified amount, Government opf India will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs.1,000 crore each against anyone or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India , Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on April 18, 2019 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stockswill be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on April18, 2019. The Non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on April 18, 2019and payment by successful bidders will be on April 22, 2019.
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India  vide Circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Defence
Naval Investiture Ceremony at New Delhi – 2020
Naval Investiture Ceremony to felicitate naval personnel who have demonstrated leadership, professional achievements and distinguished service of high order was conducted at INS India, New Delhi on 14 October 2020. Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, conferred the Distinguished Service Awards announced on the Republic Day this year to the recipients. Eight medals which included one YudhSeva Medal, one Nao Sena Medal  and six VishishtSeva Medal  were awarded.
The event is traditionally conducted as a ceremonial parade centrally for all awardees of the Indian Navy. However, in view of the prevailing pandemic, the Naval Investiture Ceremony is being conducted locally by each Command of the Navy. The award ceremony was witnessed by a limited number of senior dignitaries of the Indian Navy and the spouses of the awardees. All social distancing norms and COVID 19 protocol were adhered to during the ceremony. Though simple, the event was conducted in a manner to make it memorable to the awardees.
President's Secretariat
Two-Day Conference of Governors Commences at Rashtrapati Bhavan Today
The two-day Conference of Governors and Lt. Governors commenced today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan with the inaugural address of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. This is the 50th such Conference held in Rashtrapati Bhavan and the third Conference presided over by President Kovind.
In his opening address, the President said that Governors have very important role in our constitutional system. In an emphatic reference to welfare of tribals, he said that development and empowerment of tribals is linked to inclusive growth as well as to our internal security. Governors can give all the proper guidance by using the constitutional powers given to them, to improve the lives of these people, which have remained relatively behind in terms of development.
The President said that today, the Governors’ role becomes even more important when we are emphasizing on Cooperative Federalism and healthy Competitive Federalism in the interest of progress of the country. He said that all Governors have abundant experience in public life. The people of the country should get maximum benefit of this experience. Ultimately, we all work for the public and we are also answerable to them. He emphasised that the role of the Governor is not limited to the protection and preservation of the Constitution. They also have a constitutional commitment to remain persistent in the service and welfare of the people of their states.
Speaking about agenda items of this year’s conference, the President said that preparation of this conference has been done in accordance with the new work culture of New India so as to make the conference more useful and goal oriented. Five subjects of national importance were chosen after discussion with senior governors.
The President said that optimal use and conservation of water resources is one of the highest priorities of our country. We should make the Jal Shakti Abhiyan a mass movement like the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The President said that the goal of our new education policy is to make India a 'knowledge super power'. In order to materialize this ambition, all our institutions of higher education should make every effort to promote research and innovation. Governors, as Chancellor, also perform the responsibility of guardianship. Therefore, they are expected to give proper guidance to the future generations in their efforts to acquire skills and knowledge.
The Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Home Affairs also addressed the inaugural session.
Subsequently, sub-group of governors will deliberate on agenda items which include tribal issues; reforms in agriculture; Jal Jeevan Mission; new education policy for higher education; and governance for ‘Ease of Living’. Apart from Governors/Lt. Governors, these breakaway sessions will be attended by Union Ministers and officials of concerned Ministries.
Click here to see President's speech
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Inviting Applications for the National Startup Awards 2023; deadline 31.05.2023
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  launched the National Startup Awards  in 2020 to reward and recognise outstanding startups and enablers in the startup ecosystem that are building innovative products and demonstrating measurable social impact. So far, three editions have acknowledged startups and enablers who have been instrumental in revolutionising the development of Indian startup ecosystem. The applications for National Startup Awards 2023 have been made live from 1st April 2023 and the deadline for submissions is 31st May 2023.
To continue the legacy of recognising and rewarding diverse set of startups, DPIIT has launched the fourth edition of the National Startup Awards. National Startup Awards 2023 will celebrate innovations from across the country, in line with ‘Vision India @2047’, where India focusses on becoming a developed economy, fueled by the spirit of Amrit Kaal across key themes.
In this edition, the startups will be awarded across 20 categories, which have been decided upon thorough deliberations on current Indian and global economic focus points. These categories range from innovations in aerospace, retail and disruptive technologies to more impact-focused categories.
A cash prize of INR 10 lakhs will be awarded by DPIIT to one winning startup in each of the categories. The winners and finalists of the National Startup Awards 2023 will be provided with exclusive handholding support, including investor & government connect, mentorship, international market access, corporate and unicorn connect and much more.
The three editions of the National Startup Awards  witnessed overwhelming participation from startups and ecosystem enablers across the country. In three years, NSA has seen active participation from over 6,400 startups and has recognized over 450 startups as winners and finalists.
For more details, visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/
Ministry of Finance
Delhi Air Cargo  Customs incinerates over 69 kg drugs in fight against smugglers of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 
The Air Cargo  Customs, Delhi, today destroyed 69.876 kg drugs covered under schedule to the NDPS Act, 1985 at the Centralised Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility operated by SMS Watergrace BMW Pvt Ltd.
The destruction of the contrabands is a big blow to the smugglers of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances . The contrabands were incinerated in two lots.
First, contrabands seized at the New Courier Terminal across 09 cases amounting to 13.346 kg, including 1.997 kg Heroin, 4.236 kg Ganja, 7.113 kg Ketamine and other NDPS goods, were destroyed.
Contrabands seized at Foreign Post Office across 23 cases included 4.350 kg Ganja and 52.180 kg Ketamine, Meth and other NDPS goods, were destroyed in the second and final lot.
69.876 kg drugs across 32 cases  were destroyed by way of the incineration as per the Hazardous & Other Wastes  Rules, 2016 at Centralised Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility, Nilothi, Delhi. It is a facility authorised by State Pollution Control Board .
Prime Minister's Office
PM reviews Army’s preparedness & initiatives for Covid management
Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
They discussed various initiatives being taken by the Army to help in Covid management.
General MM Naravane informed the PM that medical staff of the Army is being made available to various state governments. He also briefed the PM that Army is setting up temporary hospitals in various parts of the country.
General MM Naravane apprised the PM that Army is opening up its hospitals for civilans wherever possible. He also added that citizens can approach their nearest army hospitals.
General MM Naravane informed the PM that the Army is helping with manpower for imported Oxygen tankers and vehicles where specialised skills are required to manage them.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chairs inaugural session of the 57th Conference of Directors General of Police / Inspectors General of Police in New Delhi today
The 57th Directors General of Police / Inspectors General of Police Conference was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah today in New Delhi. DGsP/IGsP of all States/UTs and heads of the CAPs are attending from New Delhi. Organised in hybrid mode, approximately 600 officers of various levels are attending virtually from various States/UTs.
Shri Amit Shah, in his address, emphasised the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 and a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2025. Highlighting internal security achievements in J&K, North-East and LWE, Union Home Minister laid the road-map for tackling challenges in the next ten years. UHM mentioned about building capacity in the police forces and securing critical infrastructure sectors, apart from specialised approach to protect digital public goods. He advocated better Centre and State coordination for addressing challenges such as Narco smuggling, Hawala and urban policing.
On the first day, the Conference deliberated upon topics such as security challenges along the Land Borders with Nepal and Myanmar, strategies to identify overstaying foreigners in India and targeting of Maoist strongholds. Over the next two days, top police leadership of the country would deliberate on emerging security challenges and opportunities along with experts, field functionaries and academia.
Union Home Minister distributed Police Medal for meritorious service and gave away trophies for the top three police stations of the country.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to dedicate to the nation railway lines connecting Thane and Diva on 18th February
PM to also flag off two suburban trains of the Mumbai Suburban Railway
Built at a cost of about Rs 620 crores, the additional railway lines will significantly remove the interference of long distance train’s traffic with suburban train’s traffic
These tracks will also enable introduction of 36 new suburban trains
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate to the Nation two additional railway lines connecting Thane and Diva on 18th February, 2022 at 4:30 PM via video conferencing. He will also flag off two suburban trains of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, followed by his address on the occasion.
Kalyan is the main junction of Central Railway. The traffic coming from North side and Southern side of the country merge at Kalyan and moves towards CSMT . Out of the four tracks between Kalyan and CSTM, two tracks were used for slow local trains and two tracks for fast local, Mail Express and Goods trains. To segregate suburban and long distance trains, two additional tracks were planned.
The two additional railway lines connecting Thane and Diva have been built at the approx cost of Rs 620 crores and features 1.4 km long rail flyover, 3 major bridges, 21 minor bridges. These lines will significantly remove the interference of long distance train’s traffic with suburban train’s traffic in Mumbai. These lines will also enable the introduction of 36 new suburban trains in the city.